The future of the Island put in an appearance at the Villa Marina over a week ago when they attended the Department of Education sponsored, and Department of Trade & Industry supported, careers convention.

1000 students from the Island’s various schools and college were expected to attend the one day event, where 60 exhibitors were giving advice and information on a cross section of employment opportunities.

The Island’s engineering sector, a section of the Island’s economy that probably doesn’t get the attention it deserves, had a strong presence; including an hourly presentation in the Villa’ cinema entitled ‘Engineering the Future’.

Unfortunately, the majority of attendees seemed more intent on seeing who could collect the largest number of ‘freebies’ and lollipops, being handed out by exhibitors, than gathering any useful information about the career opportunities on offer.

“The only thing that interests me about a job with Dandara is the labourers” was the considered view of a bunch of disinterested young ‘ladies’.

A day out of school appeared to be the main attraction of the event, rather than what type of job opportunities were available with the Civil Service or 2e2.

‘Boring’ summed up the collective thoughts of several Ramsey Grammar School students.

It looks like the DoE and DTI need to get their heads together before next year to see if they can come up with a format that is a bit more stimulating for the people it is aimed at.